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Texas authorities: Churches should work with local officials regarding in-person services

How services are conducted may be decided by the risk each community faces, say Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

AUSTIN — Local authorities in Texas who wish to limit in-church religious services must thread the needle between protecting their communities from further spread of coronavirus and protecting religious liberties in the U.S. Constitution.

Gov. Greg Abbott briefs the state's effort to battle the spread of coronavirus, March 31, 2020, at the Texas Capitol(Photo: Still from pool video)

That's the word Wednesday from Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton coming out Abbott's orders a day earlier expanding rules for limiting public gatherings, keeping schools closed until May 4 and extending the time restaurants cannot offer sit-down services.

Tuesday's orders relating to church services caused some confusion around the state. Abbott declared worship at religious institutions to be essential services, and that local authorities could not rule otherwise.

"Texas is a big state and the transmission rate of COVID-19 varies in different communities," the official "guidance" issued by Abbott and Paxton said. "Given this, houses of worship should work with counties and municipalities to evaluate the rate of local community spread and determine the appropriate level of mitigation strategies to implement."

For example, churches in regions with low rates of infection may choose to hold services as usual while in suburban and urban centers, other means of worship might be appropriate, the guidance said.

State or local government orders that would prohibit "people from providing or obtaining certain services must ensure that the orders do not violate the First Amendment," Paxton said in a news release.

Dani Martinez films live training sessions for her clients, Friday, April 3, 2020, at Prime 361 Performance. Martinez trains more than 100 athletes in the Corpus Christi area as well as the strength and conditioning coach at Banquete High School. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

Kiersten Lopez prepares to throw the ball during a practice with her twin sister, Kaylle, Thursday, March 26, 2020, at Sinton High School. Both athletes are committed to University of Houston-Victoria. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard test for COVID-19 Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard test for COVID-19 Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie/El Paso Times

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard test for COVID-19 Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie/El Paso Times

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard test for COVID-19 Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie/El Paso Times

A hospital worker checks the temperature of a coworker at a pedestrian walkway at Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas on March 25, 2020 in Austin, where almost all visitors have been prohibited amid the coronavirus outbreak. Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Dayana Solia takes menus from customers Lexie Belche, left, and Aleza Ruiz at Juan in a Million on East Cesar Chavez Street in Austin, Texas, on May 1. Ruiz called the restaurant at 7 a.m. to see if it was open after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the gradual reopening of Texas businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak. All retail stores, malls, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries and museums must limit customers to 25% of their listed occupancy. Bronte Wittpenn, Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY Network

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Members of the 136th Medical Group, Texas Air National Guard tested for COVID-19 Tuesday at the Memorial Park Pool. The guard members set up four testing sites in El Paso under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Jane Miller rests in the backseat of her car outside of Hospice Austin's Christopher House in Austin on March 24, 2020. Her daughter, Cynthia Marka, 43, has been at hospice for nearly a week. Because of the coronavirus threat, the facility is limiting the number of visitors that can see Cynthia to two at a time. Jane and her husband, Truman, visit their daughter in shifts. At night Jane or Truman will sleep in the back seat of their car in the hospice parking lot while the other stays with Cynthia and her husband Erik through the night. Bronte Wittpenn, Austin American-Statesman

Families pick up their free breakfast and lunch that was delivered on a school bus to Park Place at Loyola apartments in late March. The Austin district continue to provide free meals to its students and their parents, including on weekends, amid the school closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic. JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Anna Stoller and Kyle Kimery got married on April 25 at his grandmother's property in Blanco. The wedding had to be done via Zoom for some of the guests and the officiant because of the coronavirus. Contributed by Kyle Kimery

Christopher Matos wears a bandana over his face while running on East 7th Street on Monday April 6, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. Austin and Travis County are recommending the use of fabric face coverings when away from home to slow the spread of the coronavirus. JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Gov. Greg Abbott, flanked by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, left, and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, speaks during a press conference at the Capitol about the Texas’ response to the coronavirus in late March. The trio on Wednesday told state agency heads to come up with 5% budget cuts for the current budget cycle. AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Christopher Matos wears a bandana over his face while running on East 7th Street on Monday April 6, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. Austin and Travis County are recommending the use of fabric face coverings when away from home to slow the spread of the coronavirus. JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Community coordinator for Austin Voices, Jose Carrasco, drives through neighborhoods near Dobie Middle School in search of students in Austin on Friday, May 8, 2020. As the school district continues their remote learning program, many students have been unable to be reached since schools have closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many principals and teachers grow concerned that many of their students will fall behind in school. BRONTE WITTPENN/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

A ice cream truck idles in a northeast Austin neighborhood on Friday, May 8, 2020. The surrounding apartments house some of the students Jose Carrasco, community coordinator Austin Voices, has been trying to contact since schools have closed during the coronavirus pandemic. BRONTE WITTPENN/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Community coordinator for Austin Voices, Jose Carrasco, carries food to the car of parent of two, Alma Vargas, at Dobie Middle School in Austin on Friday, May 8, 2020. Carrasco holds weekly food pantries for families in need as the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep schools closed. BRONTE WITTPENN/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Austin district custodians deep clean Galindo Elementary School in March amid the coronavirus outbreak. The school district spent $7 million in the first six weeks after schools shuttered in coronavirus-related expenses like disinfecting building, protective equipment and purchasing technology for online learning. LOLA GOMEZ / AMERICAN-STATESMAN

People wait in line at the HEB in Flour Bluff for the store to open at 8am on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. HEB has changed their store hours to 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m to restock shelves due to people stocking up on supplies because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

DO NOT USE THIS PHOTO.
Heath care workers conduct COVID-19 testing at the Corpus Christi's drive-thru testing center at the old CHRISTUS Spohn Memorial Hospital parking lot on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announces the reopening of more Texas businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic at a news conference at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on Monday, May 18, 2020. Abbott said that youth camps, some professional sports and bars may soon begin to fully or partially reopen their facilities as outlined by regulations listed on the Open Texas website. Lynda M. Gonzalez/The Dallas Morning News via AP pool

Olney Hamilton Hospital ER director Colter Garrett, RN and Samantha Isbell, MSN, look over a patient's case. Olney, Texas has seen four positive cases and one death from COVID-19 at this time. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS

Conny Clay is Chief of Police in Olney, Texas. He leads a small group of officers and has had one officer in quarantine following direct contact with a person who had COVID-19. The officer did not get sick and was able to return to work. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS

Beachgoers line the water’s edge at Hershey Beach in Galveston, Texas, on Saturday. People flocked to the island’s beaches that reopened Friday after being closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP

Pastor Bobby Contreras, center, leads his church in music churchgoers, using social distancing practices, return to in-person services at Alamo Heights Baptist Church, Sunday, May 10, 2020, in San Antonio. Texas' stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic have expired and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has eased restrictions on many businesses, state parks, churches and places of worship. Eric Gay, AP

Law enforcement agencies from Wichita, Wilbarger and Lubbock counties teamed up to distribute intubation chambers like this one to local medical facilities. The West Texas 3-D COVID-19 Relief Consortium manufactured and donated them. Courtesy/West Texas 3-D COVID-19 Relief Consortium

Dumas Police Chief Marvin Trejo's funeral procession was over a mile long at some points on the 55-mile trip from Dumas to Memory Gardens Cemetery in Amarillo. His was the ninth COVID-19 death in Moore County. Shaie Williams for Statesman

Cattle are pictured in a feed lot next to the JBS beef plant in Cactus. This week, officials hope to test workers at the plant, auguring another wave of positive COVID-19 test results could come. JONATHAN TILOVE/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Kwey Baw, left, and his wife, Ehdah Baw, who work separate shifts at the Tyson plant so they can take care of their children, were told they had tested positive for COVID-19, even though they displayed no symptoms, and should quarantine for 14 days. JONATHAN TILOVE/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

A women gets a pedicure at Kosmo Salon on Friday, May 8, 2020. Barbershops and nail salons reopened on Friday, May 8, 2020 as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen after coronavirus closures. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

Angela Hernandez has her hair watched at Kosmo Salon on Friday, May 8, 2020. Barbershops and nail salons reopened on Friday, May 8, 2020 as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen after coronavirus closures. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

Annette Rodriguez, Director of Public Health for the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District holds up a COVID-19 test kit during the daily press conference at city hall on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

The city of Corpus Christi hosts its daily press conference about the coronavirus, Thursday, April 16, 2020, at City Hall. Mayor Joe McComb, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, health director Annette Rodriguez and city manager Peter Zanoni spoke during the meeting. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

People wait in their car's at the American Bank Center for the Coastal Bend Food Bank and City of Corpus Christi's pop-up drive-thru food distribution on Friday, May 15, 2020 Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

Tori Stubbs, owner of the Burlap and Paisley Boutique and Salon, sanitizes a hair washing station Friday, May 8, 2020 after hair salons were allowed to reopen for business in Texas. Colin Murphey / San Angelo Standard-Times

Staff at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus held a 'Thank You El Paso' parade Friday to thank the city for their support of healthcare workers and to thanks EMS workers. Staff stood in front of the hospital with signs dancing and shouting to passing cars and ambulances. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Staff at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus held a 'Thank You El Paso' parade Friday to thank the city for their support of healthcare workers and to thanks EMS workers. Staff stood in front of the hospital with signs dancing and shouting to passing cars and ambulances. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Staff at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus held a 'Thank You El Paso' parade Friday to thank the city for their support of healthcare workers and to thanks EMS workers. Staff stood in front of the hospital with signs dancing and shouting to passing cars and ambulances. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Laura Neill styles a client's hair at the Burlap and Paisley Boutique and Salon on Friday, May 8, 2020 after salons were allowed to reopen for business in Texas. Colin Murphey / San Angelo Standard-Times

Preston Shaver, left, takes a new appointment while cutting a client's hair at the Vintage Barber on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 after hair salons and barbershops were allowed to reopen for business in Texas. Colin Murphey / San Angelo Standard-Times

A Dyess Air Force Base B-1 flies over Abilene Regional Medical Center on Friday, going south and then back west to return to the base. The B-1 flew to the Panhandle and to the Midland-Odessa area before going over ARMC and Hendrick Medical Center to honor healthcare workers and first responders. May 15 2020 Greg Jaklewicz/Reporter-News

Abilene Fire Station 1 crew members watch two C-130s from Dyess Air Force Base fly nearby on Friday, May 15, 2020. The military flyovers locally and across the country are to honor first responders and hospital workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Laura Gutschke/Reporter-News

Most still wearing masks even outside, Abilene Regional Medical Center employees including Abby Boyd (left, Human Resources generalist, and Tonya Anderson, Ethics and Compliance director, wave a quick goodbye to a Dyess B-1B bomber as it flew over and then south of the hospital Friday. Some recorded the fly-by on their cellphones. May 15 2020 Greg Jaklewicz/Reporter-News

People wait in their car's at the American Bank Center for the Coastal Bend Food Bank and City of Corpus Christi's pop-up drive-thru food distribution on Friday, May 15, 2020 Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

Marcos and Valerie Garcia show photos of their late son, Marcelo, at their home Thursday, May 7, in El Paso. The Garcias lost Marcelo to SIDS in December of 2019. They found out they were pregnant again in early March. The Garcias suffered a tremendous loss but said that they believe Marcelo will watch over their family as they continue to grow. BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES

Lisa Wegman and her son, Andrew Wegman write encouragig statements on the Mural of Hope at Backdoor Theatre. People are encouraged to add their positive thoughts to the mural. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS

Marcos and Valerie Garcia hold a onesie that reads, "hand picked for earth by my brother in heaven," at their home Thursday, May 7, in El Paso. The Garcias lost their first child, Marcelo, to SIDS in December of 2019. They found out they were pregnant again in early March. The Garcias suffered a tremendous loss but said that they believe Marcelo will watch over their family as they continue to grow. BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES

A Howard College graduate celebrates during a ceremony on campus Thursday, May 7, 2020. Graduates accepted diplomas from inside their vehicles during the drive though ceremony held according to social distancing guidelines due to the coronavirus. Colin Murphey / San Angelo Standard-Times

Howard College graduates and guests celebrate during a ceremony on campus Thursday, May 7, 2020. Graduates accepted diplomas from inside their vehicles during the drive though ceremony held according to social distancing guidelines due to the coronavirus. Colin Murphey / San Angelo Standard-Times

Ellen Germany finally has her hair colored and cut after a long beauty salon closure due to coronavirus. Markham Salon at 2200 N. Yarbrough reopened Friday to the delight of many who visited the salon. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

William Romero cuts George Atkins' hair after a long closure due to coronavirus. Markham Salon at 2200 N. Yarbrough reopened Friday to the delight of many who visited the salon. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

State Rep. Todd Hunter adjusts his face mask while attending a parade for Bob Batterson's 99th birthday, Friday, May 8, 2020. Batterson is a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

West Oso High School hosts a graduation parade for its seniors, Friday, May 8, 2020. The school had portraits of the seniors for families to drive by to support their graduates. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

A woman shops at Ollie's Bargain Outlet on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The discount retailer is allowing 50 people at a time into its stores and has instituted other measures to ensure social distancing and sanitation. Wednesday was its grand opening in Corpus Christi. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times

Free breakfasts and lunch at Oak Park Elementary School on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Oak Park Elementary is one of the seventeen schools taking part in the curbside meal program during Corpus Christi Independent School District's temporary closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak across the United States. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

Free breakfasts and lunch at Oak Park Elementary School on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Oak Park Elementary is one of the seventeen schools taking part in the curbside meal program during Corpus Christi Independent School District's temporary closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak across the United States. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

Austin, Texas resident Traci Gisel Neely hangs out on a Texas flag hammock in the middle of Lake Travis on what is called "Sometimes Island" on April 24, 2020. When lake levels drop low enough, this island appears, sometimes for several years, depending on amount of area rainfall. Erich Schlegel, USA TODAY NETWORK

Anita Childs, right, visits with her friend and coworker Susana Perez in a courtyard at Domain Northside in Austin on Friday, May 1, 2020. This is the first time in several weeks that the two friends have gotten to see each other. Texas businesses are now allowed to open at 25% capacity during the first phase of Gov. Gregg Abbott's order to reopen the state amid the coronavirus outbreak. Bronte Wittpenn, Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY Network

Jeffrey Cirillo is leading a trial into the effectiveness of a tuberculosis vaccine in lessening the severity of the coronavirus. [CONTRIBUTED/Texas A&M University Health Science Center] Contributed photo/Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Elia Montoya places breakfast dishes in front of Carrah Roy and her family, including her husband, U.S. Representative Charles Eugene "Chip" Roy, and their kids Virginia, 9, and Charlie, 10, along with director of operations for Roy, Jennifer Carter, at Juan In A Million located on East Cesar Chavez Street in Austin on Friday, May 1, 2020. This is the first phase of Gov. Greg Abbott's order to gradually reopen Texas businesses amid the coronavirus outbreak. All retail stores, malls, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries and museums must limit customers to 25% of their listed occupancy. Bronte Wittpenn, Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY Network

Medical staff prepare to conduct a coronavirus swab test on a patient in a drive-thru testing center at Community Care walk-in clinic near East 41st Street in Austin on Wednesday. Local health officials have increased testing capabilities, but more is needed to adequately track the spread of the coronavirus. BRONTE WITTPENN/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Robert Falcon, owner of Affordable Burial and Cremation Services in North Austin, walks through the area where remains are readied for cremation at his facility Wednesday. Falcon said he is concerned that Travis County lacks a sufficient plan to handle a surge of deaths from the coronavirus. RICARDO B. BRAZZIELL/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Graffiti that says “no work no rent”and “strike” can be seen in a West Gate Boulevard neighorhood last month. The city of Austin is starting a $1.2 million lottery program to help people who have been financially affected by the coronavirus crisis pay their rent. JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

United States Postal Service mail carrier Frank Colon, 59, delivers mail amid the coronavirus pandemic on April 30, 2020 in El Paso, Texas. Everyday the United States Postal Service employees work and deliver essential mail to customers. PAUL RATJE, AFP via Getty Images

Gov. Greg Abbott announces Monday a plan to reopen the Texas economy, as he declared his stay-at-home order had worked in tamping down the spread of the coronavirus. But some counties, mostly in rural areas, have seen spikes in cases over the last week, leading some local leaders to worry whether it was too early to open retail businesses and restaurants. Eric Gay/The Associated Press

Must Ato, owner of League of Rebels in downtown Austin, prepares on Thursday for the Friday reopening of his store. Retail stores, restaurants, and some movie theaters across Texas are preparing to open their doors to 25% capacity under relaxed coronavirus restrictions unveiled by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this week. RICARDO B. BRAZZIELL/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Gabrielle Schmees, 29, and Diego Grassano, 31, get married wearing protective masks at the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park on Monday, April 27, 2020, in Houston. Their friend Torrance Wilson officiates the wedding. Because of COVID-19, the couple decided to postpone their official wedding and have a small one at the Waterwall Park until December when they can have the official one with all of their family and friends. Marie De Jesus, Houston Chronicle via AP

Raven Lewis (left) and brother, Ramel Lewis, wear masks as they jog in San Antonio on April 22, 2020. San Antonio remains under stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 outbreak and residents are required to wear face coverings or masks whenever in public. Eric Gay, AP

A "Survived Harvey Don't let CV-19 Win! Open Port A!" sign is seen before the driving protest, Tuesday, April 21, 2020, in Port Aransas. The protest opposes the mayoral declaration that prohibits certain kinds of business activity to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

A "This is Texas Stop the Tyranny" sign is during during the driving protest, Tuesday, April 21, 2020, in Port Aransas. The protest opposes the mayoral declaration that prohibits certain kinds of business activity to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

Jacob Ramirez, left, an aphaeresis technician at the Coastal Bend Blood Center, readies Doug Wayland for a donation on Friday, March 20, 2020. Blood banks across the nation are experiencing drops in donations as schools are closed and donors attempt to limit exposure to the coronavirus. But, blood products are desperately needed for patients, said Erin Survant, with the center. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times

Mitchell Hamauei, owner of the Middle East Market & Deli, said he has seen a lot of new faces since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Some people are curious about what they sell and some are trying new foods. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times

The city of Corpus Christi hosts its daily press conference about the coronavirus, Thursday, April 16, 2020, at City Hall. Mayor Joe McComb, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, health director Annette Rodriguez and city manager Peter Zanoni spoke during the meeting. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

The city of Corpus Christi hosts its daily press conference about the coronavirus, Thursday, April 16, 2020, at City Hall. Mayor Joe McComb, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, health director Annette Rodriguez and city manager Peter Zanoni spoke during the meeting. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

Monica Briones makes masks for healthcare workers from her home on Monday, March 23, 2020. Immunocompromised she is unable to leave her apartment due to the risk of contracting the coronavirus. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times

Hearts on windows, doors and in yards can be seen throughout the Lamar Park neighborhood in Corpus Christi, TX. It was designed as a way to help entertain children who are home during the coronavirus pandemic. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times

Hearts on windows, doors and in yards can be seen throughout the Lamar Park neighborhood in Corpus Christi, TX. It was designed as a way to help entertain children who are home during the coronavirus pandemic. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times

Hearts on windows, doors and in yards can be seen throughout the Lamar Park neighborhood in Corpus Christi, TX. It was designed as a way to help entertain children who are home during the coronavirus pandemic. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times

Annette Rodriguez, Director of Public Health for the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District, during a press conference on the areas preparation for the coronavirus on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

Stores such as the Angry Marlin now only do deliveries and carry out in precaution for the coronavirus, Thursday, March 19, 2020. "The more that people do to reduce their public contact, the sooner the COVID-19 disease will be contained," Abbott said during news conference in his Capitol office on Thursday. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

The city of Corpus Christi hosts its daily press conference about the coronavirus, Thursday, April 16, 2020, at City Hall. Mayor Joe McComb, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, health director Annette Rodriguez and city manager Peter Zanoni spoke during the meeting. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

The Galleria mall in Dallas sits void of customers in the middle of the day last week. Lifting restrictions that were in place because of the coronavirus pandemic,Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that retail stores would be allowed to reopen and conduct curbside service beginning Friday. Galleria Dallas has begun a “Retail-To-Go” initiative which allows businesses at the retail location to re-open and conduct sales either online or over the phone. The process allows for retailers to deliver their product to their customers at a drive-up lane that has been set up in front of the mall that is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Tony Gutierrez/AP

Freddy Rodriguez, left, and Aaron Jones clean a Capital Metro bus at the Republic Square station on March 26 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Buses that pull into the station are getting cleaned with disinfecting wipes. JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

People use a drive-thru coronavirus testing station at Baylor Scott & White Clinic last month in Round Rock. More than 500 people qualified for testing through Austin’s public testing portal since Thursday. ANA RAMIREZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Baylor University will resume in-person classes and residential life this fall, the school announced Monday. It is one of the first Texas universities to make a decision about the fall semester amid the coronavirus pandemic. FILE PHOTO

Judge David Stith begins the Zoom wedding ceremony for Nina and Mario Olivarez, Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the Nueces County Courthouse."I thought, man instead of canceling your wedding," Stith says, "this is a way for people to still be together and to have that special day."Ê Annie Rice/Caller-Times

Judge David Stith officiates a wedding via Zoom, Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the Nueces County Courthouse. The district judge marries couples online as a result of coronavirus. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

Safely Open Texas Now rally Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business. BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES

Safely Open Texas Now rally organizer Sammy Carrejo speaks to attendees Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business. BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES

Safely Open Texas Now rally Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business. BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES

Safely Open Texas Now rally Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business. BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES

Safely Open Texas Now rally Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business. BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES

Safely Open Texas Now rally Saturday, April 25, across the street from the El Paso County Court House in El Paso. Protesters demanded elected officials safely reopen the State of Texas, the County of El Paso and the city of El Paso for business. BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES

Father Peter Kavanaugh and his wife, Zoe, were driven around Wichita Falls Wednesday in a Jeep by Steve Forbes. Kavanaugh sprinkled holy water along the way, asking for God's protection on the people and saying prayers for health and healing. Father Kavanaugh is the minister at St. Benedict Orthodox Church. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS

People wave to their family members at the Alameda Oaks nursing center as they take part in a parade on Friday, Aril 24, 2020. Alameda Oaks nursing center hosted a parade for its residents, who have not had visitors since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

Residents and staff at the Alameda Oaks nursing center waive as a parade passes on Friday, Aril 24, 2020. Alameda Oaks nursing center hosted a parade for its residents, who have not had visitors since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

Kaydi Pursley, 18, practices her pole vaulting inside the warehouse of the Merkel grain elevator Wednesday April 15, 2020. The Merkel High School senior will attend Abilene Christian University in the fall. Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News

Panda Burger server Diana Ortiz prepares Glenn Atchley's pick-up order for their $5 burger special Wednesday, April 15, at 10780 Pebble Hills Blvd. in El Paso. Some restaurants in El Paso have had to temporally close with COVID-19 but others have been able to keep their workers employed by using multiple platforms to deliver food. BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has employed a mostly decentralized approach, giving cities, counties, school districts and universities the discretion to respond to the new coronavirus however they see fit. Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune

Manicurist Rhonda Simpson, left, polishes nails for her customer Faith at the reopened Salon A la Mode in Dallas, Friday, April 24, 2020. The salon installed a barrier between the two to avoid the spread of coronavirus. LM Otero, AP

A man is screened upon arriving Thursday at the Austin State Supported Living Center amid the coronavirus pandemic. The center is among dozens of government-funded homes for individuals with disabilities in Texas that have COVID-19 cases. JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Most basketball courts in Central Texas have closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Austin and Travis County health officials on Wednesday said sporting events and festivals could be off for up to a year. RICARDO B. BRAZZIELL/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

The Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University has identified COVID-19 relief most applicable to farmers and ranchers, which is available online at https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2020/04/21/covid-19-relief-for-farmers-ranchers/ Kay Ledbetter / Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Members of the media observe social distancing as Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, at podium, responds to a question during a news conference at City Hall where he discussed the latest developments amid the COVID-19 outbreak, in Dallas on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Tony Gutierrez, AP

Sheila Parr and her daughters Violet Cann, left, 7, and Stella Cann, 5, donate food and toilet paper to the Little Free Library on Princeton Drive in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday April 21, 2020. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, many of the book exchange boxes around the U.S. are being repurposed as sharing boxes with free food and toilet paper. Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY Network

Light traffic flows on MoPac Boulevard and U.S. 290 in southwest Austin, Texas, at 7:30 a.m. on March 25, the first day of the shelter-in-place order during the coronavirus pandemic. Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman

People wait in line at a Central Texas Food Bank drive-through distribution at Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas, on April 20, 2020. About 100 volunteers distributed nonperishable food and toiletries to thousands of people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman via USA TODAY NETWORK

Fadia Joseph volunteers at a Central Texas Food Bank drive-through distribution at Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas, on April 20, 2020. About 100 volunteers distributed nonperishable food and toiletries to thousands of people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman via USA TODAY NETWORK

Starbucks at Saratoga Boulevard and Weber Road in Corpus Christi, Texas was open only for to-go and drive-thru orders in an effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times

Pastor Brian Hill in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church Corpus Christi leads a drive-in Easter service on Sunday, April 12, 2020. First Baptist Church Corpus Christi had not held an in-person serves since Nueces County issued a stay at home order do to the COVID-19 outbreak. Courtney Sacco, Caller-Times-USA TODAY NETWORK

Christopher Matos wears a bandana over his face while running on East 7th Street on Monday April 6, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. Austin and Travis County are recommending the use of fabric face coverings when away from home to slow the spread of the coronavirus. JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Vehicles line up to receive free food on Wednesday at LBJ Early College High School. The Central Texas Food Bank distributed free emergency food boxes to help those who are facing increased food insecurity during the coronavirus crisis. NICK WAGNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

A man wears a mask at the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority's Staples Street Station on Friday, March 13, 2020, as the coronavirus continues to spread in Texas. Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

The field of quarter horses dash past empty stands Friday at Ruidoso Downs. The 2020 racing season is underway at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack in Ruidoso, N.M. after live racing was halted in mid-March because of COVID-19. The track is starting the season without fans in the stands due to the coronavirus. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Eugene and Mary Szczepinski with their four children, Steven, Debbie Jellerson, Gene and Greg. They celebrated Eugene and Mary's 75th wedding anniversary Saturday, May 23, 2020. The pair was married May 22, 1945, in San Antonio. Lauren Roberts/Times Record News

The City of Corpus Christi closes a portion of Ocean Drive to promote social distancing while exercising, Saturday, May 23, 2020. The city is planning to continue with the fitness lane next Saturday. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

The City of Corpus Christi closes a portion of Ocean Drive to promote social distancing while exercising, Saturday, May 23, 2020. The city is planning to continue with the fitness lane next Saturday. Annie Rice/Caller-Times

Kindergarten teacher Kathy Giron waves a shark mouth cutout as she calls to a passing student outside of Austin Elementary School Tuesday May 19, 2020. Students of all grades paraded by to say goodbye to their teachers at the end of the school year which had been severely altered due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since mid-March, students have only been able to interact with their teachers over online teleconference services and virtual classrooms. Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News

Beth Laurence holds her phone, waiting to get a picture of teachers lined up outside of Austin Elementary School Tuesday May 19, 2020. Behind her, Emma and Abby Gragg look for their mother Betsy, the school art teacher, while Beth's husband David drives. Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News

Stephanie Corral, third-grade teacher at Hueco Elementary, packs up her students’ belongings Wednesday, May 20, 2020, while cleaning out her classroom after the school year ended abruptly because of the coronavirus pandemic. Corral said the students went on spring break and didn’t get to return to school to clean out their desks. The school is arranging for the children to pick up their belongings before the next school year. BRIANA SANCHEZ/EL PASO TIMES

Andress High School seniors Isabelle Martinez and Rebecca Martinez pick up their yearbooks during the end of year drive-thru Tuesday, May 19, at the high school in El Paso. Briana Sanchez/El Paso Times

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